New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday reviewed the progress of various ongoing infrastructure projects in Assam and the Northeast during a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Public Works Department (PWD), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL), and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
Emphasizing the significance of timely execution, the minister stated that the projects are crucial to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). “The Northeast is the topmost priority for PM Narendra Modi. Our work in the region must align with the vision of Viksit Bharat,” he affirmed.
Speaking after the meeting, Sonowal said, “In line with PM Modi’s vision, we are developing robust waterway infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast. Projects worth Rs. 1,000 crore are in the pipeline, targeted for completion by 2026. Over the last two years, investments exceeding Rs. 1,000 crore have already been made, and projects worth Rs. 300 crore have been completed.”
He further stated, “After reviewing the ongoing works, we are on track to complete the remaining Rs. 700 crore worth of projects by the end of 2025. These efforts aim to boost cargo and passenger movement, enhance last-mile connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable and inclusive transport solutions under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.”
Key infrastructure developments are underway along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak), including the construction of passenger vessels of varying capacities, terminal facilities, and several capacity-building initiatives.
Sonowal also reviewed the status of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) project at Doyang Lake, and examined tourism and water sports potential at Noune and Shilloi Lakes in Nagaland. Feasibility studies for IWT development are also being conducted on the Tlawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, and Umiam Lake and the Umngot River (NW106) in Meghalaya.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, India is steadily progressing towards Viksit Bharat. Assam and the Northeast are central to this transformation. Since 2014, the Modi government has revived inland waterways, especially along the Brahmaputra (NW2) and Barak (NW16) rivers,” Sonowal said.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Jalvahak scheme that are promoting the adoption of this cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transport, easing the burden on road and rail networks, and positioning Assam as a key player in India’s goal of achieving a self-reliant economy by 2047.
The minister emphasized the importance of skilling the youth in maritime sectors, saying, “We are creating new opportunities for the youth of Assam and the Northeast through institutions like the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati and the Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport in Dibrugarh. These initiatives will prepare a workforce skilled in logistics, cargo handling, vessel operations, and more.”
To further enhance cruise tourism and cargo capacity across NW2 and NW16, over Rs. 1,500 crore has been allocated for critical projects scheduled for completion by 2027–28. These include modern jetties with onshore facilities at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan, along with a new Regional Office for the Mercantile Marine Department (MSDC), a guest house, and office space for ITAT at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati.
Sonowal also reported progress on the proposed Water Metro services in Guwahati and Dhubri, backed by a Rs. 315 crore investment, including two electric catamarans being constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. Additionally, a Rs. 100 crore cruise terminal in Guwahati and a Rs. 120 crore Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Dibrugarh are in development.
Infrastructure upgrades on the Brahmaputra (NW2) include the construction of five riverine lighthouses, fairway development between Pandu and Bogibeel with Rs. 150 crore, and the procurement of two cutter suction dredgers. The IWAI is implementing Rs. 1,010 crore worth of projects across NW2 and NW16, including terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa, and a Rs. 208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu.
On the Barak River (NW16), ongoing efforts include the deployment of survey and dredging equipment, and development of floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur, showcasing the Modi government’s commitment to transforming the Northeast into a maritime hub.
To maintain consistent navigability along the Brahmaputra, the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has been tasked with ensuring a minimum assured draft of 2.5 meters from the Bangladesh border to Pandu under NW-2 until 2026–27. An additional Rs. 191 crore has been sanctioned for this effort.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the MoPSW, IWAI, CSL, IPRCL, and other key agencies involved in the region’s maritime infrastructure development. (ANI)
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